Job search— think different

2 min readMay 23, 2017

Alternative way to move forward

Dislike your job? Have an unqualified manager? Annoying coworkers? Too many responsibilities? Unreasonable schedule? Low pay? The list may go on forever consuming most of our energy day after day.

We tend to approach changing jobs starting with a search for openings, then apply to a bunch, see what comes back, interview, accept, get started, assess if it is to our liking. Stay there for some time or a long time.

Now what? — Back to square one. Dislike your job?…

Let’s pause for a second. And divert our energy to moving forward a different way. How about we choose what we like first?

Answer three simple questions

Name a company you want to work with
Describe what you want to do there
Research a person who works at that company and does the same or similar to what you want to do

Perform one simple action

Ask that person for a coffee or connect online if they are remote

Discover a world of possibilities

Maybe their role is not what you assumed it was, maybe it involves doing things you dislike, maybe it involves doing things you didn’t imagine possible for you to do too playing that role;
Maybe they have an opening or a potential for one in the future;
Maybe after learning about your interests and skills they will direct you to another organization or individual or point you to a different industry or specialty altogether.

Rinse & Repeat.

Some tips along the way:

Tip#1: Keep your cool.

The goal of each networking encounter is to expand your knowledge, connect and develop relationships. This means to project relaxed emotions, not a worry of wanting a job. Getting a job will follow.

Tip#2: Network when you are not in an urge to get a job.

Initiate and maintain your relationships when you don’t need anything in return. Some connections may translate in a great outcome years after being initiated.

Tip#3: Iterate.

Revisit and refine your dream situation as you are building your network. And remember to always Write it down.

Here’s an excellent source for questions to ask: https://hbr.org/2017/08/5-questions-to-help-your-employees-find-their-inner-purpose

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